Deputy Premier and Minister of BorderControl and Employment, Hon. Sean R. Astwood, recently undertook a fact-findingmission to the Cayman Islands to explore best practices and initiatives inimmigration, border control, and employment policy. Over the two-day visit,Astwood engaged with high-ranking officials, including Her Excellency HelenKilpatrick CBE, Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin, and Deputy Governor Hon. FranzManderson. These discussions, facilitated in part by TCI's Deputy Governor Hon.Anya Williams, provided valuable insights into the Cayman Islands' approach toimmigration enforcement, work permit systems, regional agreements, and theincorporation of technology in immigration services.

The visit included in-depth conversationswith key personnel such as Acting Chief Immigration Officer Mr. Bruce Smith andJoint Marine Unit Commander Mr. Leo Anglin. Topics ranged from the role ofimmigration in Caymanian society to border control intelligence, customerservice demands, and operational strategies for work permit boards. Reflectingon the mission, Astwood described it as "enlightening," noting themutual benefits of sharing ideas and strategies. "The opportunity toexchange ideas with our Caymanian counterparts not only provided us withvaluable insights but also allowed us to showcase some of the successes we’vehad in TCI," he remarked.

Site visits further enriched theexperience, including a tour of the Joint Marine Unit and a hands-on boat rideaboard one of its vessels, offering a glimpse into Cayman’s maritime borderoperations. Additionally, Astwood made an unscheduled visit to Health City,where several TCI residents have received medical care. Accompanied by formerPermanent Secretary Mrs. Clara Gardiner OBE and Head of Secretariat Ms. CynaraJohn, Astwood emphasized the value of fostering regular exchanges betweenterritories. "These engagements encourage the cross-fertilization of ideasand build relationships that can yield long-term benefits," he stated. Thedelegation returned to TCI on March 26, 2017, with plans to adapt and implementlessons learned to strengthen TCI’s immigration and border control systems.